Five Activewear Must-Haves for Spring Running

It can be tough to dress for spring running. Morning runs usually start out with much colder temps than they end up at the end of runs, strong winds from still-frigid lakes and rivers can chill the air, and the sun can heat things quickly. My best bets for the finicky weather are pieces that keep me comfortable from cold breezes but are breathable enough that I don’t overheat.

Mesh Long Sleeve

My arms are always cold on chilly mornings, but I heat up quickly if the temps are above 50 degrees F. Lightweight longsleeve tops with sleeves loose enough that I can push up and with mesh to let out steam help keep me comfortable. I’d love to try the mesh-paneled Fab Fierce Long Sleeve from Title Nine in collaboration with Oiselle.

Title Nine/Oiselle Fab Fierce Long Sleeve

Quarter-Zip

Quarter- and half-zips are always nice to let in some airflow when you heat up. I’ve never tried anything from MPG but I really like their new Ten 1/4 Zip Pullover. It has interesting laser-cut detailing on the back for ventilation, mesh on the side, back, and shoulder, and a zippered pocket, all at a lower price point than some of the pricier brands.

Laser cut detailing on the MPG Ten 1/4 Zip Pullover

Crops

While I’m not ready to wear skirts or shorts in chilly weather, my legs like a little more ventilation. That’s why I love running crops in spring. For short runs where I don’t need a lot of pockets, I love my Michi Stardust Crops with mesh panels down the side. (See my review and photos.)

Michi Stardust Crop Legging

I need a lot of pockets on long runs to satisfy my pack rat tendencies. It’s hard to beat the five pockets of many Lululemon running bottoms that have two in the front waistband (for my MP3 player and Salt Stick caps), one zippered one on the back waistband (for my keys), and two on the outer thighs (for gels, lip balm, tissues, and phone). I have a pair of the Pace Rival Crops with the five pockets that I wore for my last half marathon that I really like, even though they are a bit lower rise than I usually wear.

Lululemon Pace Rival Crop showing one of the five pockets.

A less expensive option that I love is Athleta’sBe Free Knicker with one back zippered pocket and two on the side. I like the knee length, and the fabric in the Dobby version of the knicker is extremely lightweight so can be worn through summer. I love this new Electric Fuschia color just released and ordered it last weekend during Athleta’s Friends and Family sale. It’s on backorder until next month, so I can’t wait to get it.

Athleta Dobby Be Free Knicker

Windbreaker/Rain Jacket

On the coldest, windiest mornings in spring, I reach for a lightweight jacket. Because I heat up quickly, I only wear a tank or tee underneath. My favorite lightweight jacket is the Lululemon Miss Misty Jacket from last year that has perforation to let off steam, a cinchable hood that zips into the collar, a high collar to keep the wind out, and two zippered pockets with a slit for media cords. It performs much better in the rain than the Brooks LSD jacket that I also have, which has poor rain protection. The Miss Misty has kept me dry for nearly an hour of running in the rain. Unfortunately, Lululemon has not released a replacement this year, which I’m waiting for. I’ve heard good things about the rain protection of the Patagonia Houdini, but it seems like you get very little features (only one pocket, inelegantly placed on the chest; no ability to zip up the hood) for a high price. So, I’m waiting to see what’s released this spring. For a simple windbreaker, I really like these two options.

The Title Nine Mantra Jacket is described as a windbreaker only, but I love the fun colors.

Title Nine Mantra Jacket

Hat

While I wear visors on sunny summer runs, it’s cool enough in spring that I won’t overheat wearing a hat. Plus, it’s essential for runs on rainy days. I love my run hats from Lululemon from two years ago with reflectivity at the brim. Unfortunately, they made their hats much bigger last year so they’re too big for me. I’d love to try the Mesh Cap from Oiselle, which can pack down so you can easily carry it in your hand.

I’m linking up with Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Mar at Mar On The Run, and Cynthia at You Signed Up For What! for their Friday Five Link Up. And of course I need to give a big shout out to Courtney, who used the Hansons’ Half Marathon Method to train for the Shamrock Half Marathon this weekend. It’s always fun for me to follow others using the Hansons’ method (misery loves company?). Good luck, Courtney!

I’m also linking up with Nicole at Fitful Focus for the Fit & Fashionable Friday Link Up.

I have that Oiselle LS and it’s one of my absolute favorites. It’s SO perfect for spring and fall running. Highly recommend it!! And thank you SO much for the shout out. You have been such a big part of my training and honestly, I just always look forward to your thoughts and seeing how your weeks went. You are right – it’s great to have someone else doing this plan. Plus since you did it before, I trust your insight. xx

Thanks for the suggestions. I LOVE pockets in my pants when I run so I am going to check out these options.
One can never have too many running clothes…Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Thinking out loud : thankfulness

We think alike! I think I have the speed crop from Lulu (which is a tight on me), and I do love the be free knicker — wore that in my race last weekend! If I’d received my switzer capris from Skirtsports in time for the race, though, I would’ve worn that. Oh well.

And I live for a zippered top or a windbreaker, too — I’m constantly zipping & unzipping at this time of year.

Ooh, so many good options! I really need a new lightweight rain jacket with all the pop-up storms. I love the cut-outs on the MPG top! Thanks for sharing.EB @ Running on E recently posted…Friday 5: Springtime Favorites

I’m definitely a big fan of crops in the Spring and Fall. And I got a lightweight rain jacket that also converts into a vest which is a nice, versatile piece for the Spring and Fall.Chaitali recently posted…2016 Rock and Roll DC Half Marathon review

Wait…Athleta had a F&F sale and didn’t tell me!?!?! Big fat bummer, I had a cart full of stuff but decided to wait because I received the F&F sale info from the other brands (I have a Banana card), so I thought maybe they were running theirs later for some odd reason!

Maybe I should sign up for the Athleta card too to avoid missing this in the future. I can’t wait to see what else you purchased during the sale!

I like that detail on the back of those tops. Cute! How cool there is a hidden pocket in those capris! I like where it is located. Usually it’s on the inside and hard to get to.lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…The Instagram Challenge

Where have I been? I had no idea that Oiselle and Title Nine collaborated! I love a good capri – and even talk about it in my #fridayfive post today. I’ll have to test the waters with some of the styles you mentioned!Lisa @ Lisa Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Gearing up for Spring: Road Runner Sports R-Gear Review

I love the Lulu pace rival crops and the Athleta Be Free knickers for the pockets. They also fit and wear well. Of course those brands are more expensive, but I think the price is worth it for good qualify running pants.Pam recently posted…How to deal with a rainy race day

I think the pace rival crops are my favorite 🙂
I seem to have a hard time finding hats that fit my head, so I always end up in a visor lol I might have a weird shape or smothering, i don’t know…Karen recently posted…Hitting Reset

As I mentioned previously, Lulu hats look like bonnets on my small head! Definitely hoping they release smaller hats. Got both of Oiselle’s hats (Mesh Cap & Fast Cap) and really like them. I think I may get Lorna Jane’s mesh visor (LJ Swift Visor) which has an elastic band back, also good for small heads.

That mesh top is one of my favorites – perfect transitional piece when its still a bit too cool for a tank. The mesh provides some nice ventilation. I do like it as casual wear too 🙂 I’ve only gotten mine (on sale) though the Title Nine/Oiselle collab. I’ve been eyeing this season’s royal blue. Will be curious to see how you like that mesh cap (I don’t have it …waiting for more reviews) 🙂Jennifer @ Run Jenny Run recently posted…Gate River Run 15K Training Week 11 – 3/7-3/13

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Running is no fun if you don't look cute doing it! In this blog I share my passion for running and activewear. I'm chronicling my ever-evolving journey as a runner. I also post activewear reviews, healthy plant-based recipes, and pictures of my greyhound and kitties. Read more about me. Thanks for visiting!